Ma Huang, otherwise known as Ephedra, is a commonly used herb in the Oriental Pharmacy. It is rarely used by itself, but is utilized as an ingredient in formulas, which can protect the body from the dispersing qualities of MaHuang.

The properties of Ma Huang are:

1. Increasing urination, sweating, and reduces edema [lung]
2. Clears the lungs, useful for either interior [asthma,COPD] or exterior [colds,flues] wheezing and coughing.
3. In combination with other herbs, has a long history of treating various respiratory diseases.

Research has shown:

1. Ephedra can lower body temperature in rats, but overdose raises the temperature in humans.
2. It has a systemic diaphoretic effect [sweating].
3. Ephedra raises blood pressure and vasoconstricts, but it can vasodilate coronary blood vessels.
4. Can cause insomnia, restlessness, and tremors.
5. Overdose can cause arrhythmias.

CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION!

When used with cardiac glycosides [ginseng is loaded with these], ephedra can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Chinese medicine practitioners know these precautions and use herbs correctly. Many companies that are out to just make a buck do not use herbs correctly. Please beware of bad formulations. Get advice from a knowledgeable person.

ZHI SHI [CHIH SHIH] or KIJITSU

Due to the side effects and misuse of Ma huang, there are formulas appearing with an herb called Zhi Shi, which is part of a Chinese citrus fruit. It is marketed as a substitute and as potent is as ephedra without the side effects. This is an old staple herb in the Chinese pharmacy.

Some facts about Zhi Shi:

1. Used for abdominal pain, gas and bloating.
2. Moves energy down -- used for constipation.
3. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Trials from China show that Zhi Shi can make the uterus contract in rabbits. This is due to a single alkaloid in the herb.
4. This is a "cold" energy herb, and is best used to treat "heat/hot" type conditions. Cold/deficiency stomach may be a cause of weight problems, and taking this herb would make this worse. See your practitioner for a diagnosis and appropriate care.
5. Zhi shi does contain some flavinoids [limonine]. Flavinoids [bioflavinoids] are chemicals that usually inhabit the color part [can be skin or flesh] of fruits. These have been shown to have anti inflamatory properties. We carry a couple of Chinese formulas with added flavinoids for this reason.
6. A short inhibitory period followed by increased peristalsis in rabbits. Peristalsis is the movement of the intestines that pushes food through to get absorbed. Some weight loss methods try to speed up this process so that less calories/nutrients/fats get absorbed. The inhibatory period is when this process is stopped. When peristalsis is stopped, constipation can result.
7. Increases stroke volume, and increases blood flow to the heart and brain, while causing some vasoconstriction and blood flow to the femoral arteries decreases.
8. In dogs given IV doses, blood pressure increases, and there is no decrease when the blood levels of the herb drop.
9. Zhi Shi may have some contraceptive qualities, so it's not advised if you are trying to get pregnant.

Please make up your own mind as to whether the benefits/drawbacks are worth it in your case. I could not find any studies that show Zhi Shi helps in weight loss, but it may be a helper herb in certain formulas for this. The big drawback is that if you have Cold/deficiency signs then this herb would make things worse [so would ma huang]. To find out what your signs are,[or if you even have any,] please go to a TCM practitioner. Do not diagnose yourself. In any case, or in any system, remember, you must have more calories being burned than being taken in. That is the whole secret. To do this, cut back fat/sugar intake and exercise more. I recommend finding out about the glycemic index of foods. One good resource is the Glycemic Research Institute

Any substance that can be used medically can be abused, whether it is an herb or a synthetic substance. Since some "entrepreneurs" who do not care about your health have wrongly used this substance and have, of course, hurt people in the process, the government is stepping in to "regulate" Ma Huang. Since the government always goes too far in these cases, any usual medical use of Ephedra is in jeopardy.

This is but a footnote to a larger issue, the CODEX. Please check out this link. Government "regulation" is important and serious and it is now. Link there if you are not aware of these threats.

Alternatives to Ma Huang (Ephedra)

The Hollywood Clinic offers several alternatives to Ma Huang for effective weight loss and control. Our therapy begins with the use of an auriculotherapy technique which utilizes tiny needles called asps. They are placed in the ear and are able to be magnatized. When the needles have done their job, they simply fall out. If you are not in the Portland area and do not have access to this treatment, we can offer several products with which we and our clients have had much success. These herbal products do not have the same issues surrounding them as Ma Huang.

We strongly recommend two products from the Health Concerns line for weightloss. The Astra 18 Diet Formula treats eating disorders with symptoms that include abdominal bloating, edema, phlegm, congestion, fatigue and loose or erratic stools. Health Concerns recommends this formula in conjunction with modifications of diet and lifestyle (including exercize, increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables) and with thier Astra Diet Tea. A wonderful site that has recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, etc. is CyberDiet.com.

Astra Diet Tea by Health Concerns is a pleasant tasting tea that reduces appetite, improves digestion and increases energy. It also soothes colitis and Crohn's Disease symptoms, promotes sluggish digestion and can be used to alleviate altitude sickness. This formula does not contain caffeine or tea.

For high cholesteral, we recommend Astra Garlic from Health Concerns. In conjunction with acupuncture treatment, we have had patients drop as many as 40 points in their cholesteral readings within 4 weeks.

References:

Bensky. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Eastland Press: Seattle. 1986.

Dharmananda, Subuti. Chinese Herbology: A Professional Training Program. ITM: Santa Cruz,Ca. 1985